Student burned in 'O week' blaze

Clock tower at Otago University. Photo / Supplied.

A student is facing charges after another student was burned during a street blaze marking the onset on Otago University's notorious "O Week" last night.

The first night of the university's orientation week kicked off with the sort of revelry the Dunedin students are known for, with fire crews responding to eight call-outs from the student area in two hours from 9pm.

An ambulance was called to Hyde Street after a young woman received minor burns to her leg about 10pm and a 19-year-old man was arrested for allegedly fuelling the fire.

Willowbank Station Officer Stephen Clarke said much of the packaging students used while moving into their flats was the source of material for the fires.

- NZPA